Drug Therapy - Treating OCD Flashcards
What is the specific anti depressant drug called?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
What do SSRI’s work on?
Serotonin levels in the brain
What is serotonin released by?
Pre synaptic neurons
What does serotonin do?
Chemically conveys signal from the pre synaptic neuron to the post synaptic neuron
What do SSRI’s effectively do?
Preventing the reabsorption and breakdown of serotonin, increase its levels in the synapse and stimulate the post synaptic neuron
What do drugs reduce?
The patients motional symptoms like feeling anxious or depressed
Why are drugs used with CBT?
They reduce their emotional symptoms meaning they can engage more with CBT - therefore more successful
What can happen if the drugs aren’t effective after 3/4 months?
The dose can be increased or combined with other drugs
What are tricyclics?
Anti depressants having same effect on serotonin system as SSRI’s
What are SNRI’s?
Drugs used for patients who don’t respond to SSRI’s
What does serotonin contribute to?
Wellbeing and happiness